🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.